Method and apparatus for measuring exercise performance

Abstract

An integrated sensor apparatus capable of detecting exercise equipment parameters such as power output and cadence is designed so as to be easily retrofittable to existing equipment. To the extent that a particular sensor uses friction measurement, it can supplant an existing friction causing device on the equipment. Additionally, the sensor can communicate, wirelessly if desired, with a processing device. The processing device is capable of receiving and processing a plurality of sensor signals. The processing device can then output processed signals to a display, so that a plurality of people joining in a group exercise or competition can easily track their relative performance in real-time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 806,631 filed Jul. 6, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD [0002] The technology herein relates to a method and apparatus for measuring exercise performance. More specifically, the technology herein relates to methods and apparatus for measuring exercise performance on equipment that includes a rotating surface. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY [0003] Running, bicycling, and rowing are all popular forms of athletic activity and exercise. Often, given the necessary space, athletes and exercisers may tie on a pair of shoes and run for miles. People may also, if they have access to a bicycle and bicycle paths or a boat and a river, choose to ride or row for fun, competition and / or exercise. Unfortunately, many places do not have bicycle paths or accessible rivers. Also, people may not have the proper equipme...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] Additionally, even if a person is merely exercising for general health or fun, a competitive environment can add a much needed edge and can motivate people to higher levels of performance. Competition, however, requires at least one additional person, with the same or similar type equipment (e.g. to race bicycles, all competitors need to have access to bicycles). This can present another barricade to those wishing to competitively race or exercise, as now an entire additional set of equipment is needed.

[0010] Additionally, in this exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, a wireless connection to a computer or other calculation device permits further processing of the data and formatting of an exerciser's progress for display on, for example, an electronic display, such as a screen or monitor. In the group environment, multiple equipment sets may be used simultaneously, permitting users to engage in virtual races and other group activities. Data may also be recorded, processed and stored for future analysis, allowing the exerciser, an instructor or other interested party to monitor the exerciser's progress over time.

[0011] With the appropriate connections, people could even sit at home and use an Internet connection to compete against exercisers all over the world. Graphic feedback could provide a real-time competitive environment and allow those who do not have time to attend traditional gym classes an opportunity to nonetheless exercise in an indoor, competitive group environment.

[0012] According to a further exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, a measurement device can optionally be retrofitted onto existing equipment. Stationary exercise equipment such as bikes, rowing machines and treadmills often carries a hefty price-tag. Many people, especially gyms with limited budgets and home-users, may not want to replace a still-functional piece of equipment. Or, they may want to replace it to gain the benefits of the exemplary implementations, but may not be able to afford to. If one exemplary implementation is capable of being retrofitted to existing equipment, it becomes much less expensive and wasteful for numerous people to participate in group exercises as presented herein.

[0013] In accordance with a desire to make the device convenient and unobtrusive, one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation is provided with a wireless connection to a processing device, such as a computer. In this exemplary implementation, there is no need to run bulky and potentially hazardous wiring from one or more pieces of exercise equipment to a processing device.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, many places do not have bicycle paths or accessible rivers.

Also, people may not have the proper equipment to perform many of these exercises.

Even in a group, however, cyclists (or people participating in other group sports) may not be provided enough information about their performance and the performance of the others in a group.

For example, while everyone may know that everyone in a group exercised for twenty minutes, no one may have a benchmark to compare their performance to that of their peers.

While a number of devices have been developed to help, for example, cyclists to monitor their cadence speed and amount of power exerted, few work on stationary bicycles.

None of these devices provides a relative measure of performance between one cyclist and other group participants, and none are suitable as add-on components for existing exercise equipment.

Stationary exercise equipment such as bikes, rowing machines and treadmills often carries a hefty price-tag.

Many people, especially gyms with limited budgets and home-users, may not want to replace a still-functional piece of equipment.

Or, they may want to replace it to gain the benefits of the exemplary implementations, but may not be able to afford to.

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